Holiday Cheer

We are blessed to be able to support the Homeless Student Program this year!

According to data released this fall, the Beaverton School District had 1,373 homeless students enrolled, the most in the state for the fourth year in a row.

Of the district's total number of homeless students, 82 were in shelters, 1,168 doubled up, 45 were unsheltered and 67 lived in hotels or motels, according to data.

Students who move frequently or live in substandard housing – sometimes without running water or working appliances- face additional educational challenges, says Lisa Mentasana, who is in charge of the program. "Imagine being able to focus on your school work when you're living in a situation like that," she said. "It's depressing and its tough and it impacts your ability to learn. "

Most of the homeless youth receive their meals at the schools for breakfast and lunch, but with the winter break coming, most of these students will go without. MedFocus staff generously chipped in this season to help these students have a brighter holiday.